as i was saying to jamal, the economy is picking up but frankly, it is not picking up as fast in other parts of the country. if you really look at the environment is really kind of -- making this close. but again he's got a very strong case to make about budget reform. school reform. obviously gun violence reform which you know, he's delivered. >> bill: his response to hurricane sandy, he was right on it. >> that's actually where he scores the highest marks. this guy has strong leadership skills. >> so important when it comes time for a chief executive. he seems like he's kind of working from the heart. he seems like one of these guys speaking from the heart and doing what he thinks and feels right thing to do. people respond to that in the end. >> bill: two talkers here. you can get a word in edgewise here on the phone at 1-866-55-press. on twitter at bpshow and on facebook at facebook.com/billpressshow. gentlemen, president obama in europe yesterday. and he got a little -- you know, little flak on the news about nsa here in this country. got a little flak of all places, in germany ab